North Charlotte Today

Crown Legacy FC announced today that Head Coach Jose Tavares and Assistant Coach Pedro Mane will depart the club following Thursday’s home match against Philadelphia Union II. Assistant Coach Kevin Sawchak will assume the role of Head Coach on an interim basis. Brian Edwards will continue as Goalkeeper Coach, and Charlotte FC Academy Coach Jorge Herrera will join the CLFC coaching staff on an interim basis.

Tavares is set to return to FC Porto, where he will take on the role of Academy General Manager. "I have decided to leave Crown Legacy FC with the intention to move closer to my family in Portugal," said Tavares. "I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Tepper, Zoran, Darrius, Bobby, and the rest of the Charlotte FC organization for trusting me in this project. The opportunity to help shape the foundations of CLFC and establish a proven professional pathway will always be something I hold special in my heart."

The club has initiated a full coaching search effective immediately. “We would like to thank Jose and Pedro for their time and dedication to Crown Legacy FC and the Charlotte FC organization,” said Crown Legacy FC President Darrius Barnes. “Both have been instrumental in building the foundation of the Club and its early success. We respect their decision to move back to Portugal for personal reasons and wish them all the best in their future endeavors. They will always be a part of our Crown Legacy FC and Charlotte FC family.”

Tavares and Mane joined the CLTFC organization in August 2022, contributing significantly during its formative period ahead of Crown Legacy FC’s inaugural season. Since its inception, Crown Legacy FC has developed numerous players who debuted with CLFC and eventually earned First Team minutes, including forward Patrick Agyemang, defender Andrew Privett, and Homegrown Nimfasha Berchimas. Four players from the Club’s inaugural roster earned MLS contracts after a successful season in MLS NEXT Pro: João Pedro, Iuri Tavares, Nikola Petković, and Chituru Odunze.

“Jose and Pedro have been pivotal in what we are building here at Charlotte FC particularly with creating a strong and clear Pro-Player Pathway,” said Assistant General Manager Bobby Belair. “I would like to thank them for their time in Charlotte and for helping us set a professional culture with the right standards for our young players to develop. We are excited for Kevin, Brian, and Jorge to lead Crown Legacy FC and will take the necessary time to make the right decision for the Club’s future.”

In its inaugural season, Crown Legacy FC achieved notable success by earning a league-best 66 points from 19 wins while maintaining an undefeated home record before exiting in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

“I am grateful for the opportunity that the Charlotte FC and Crown Legacy FC organization has given me,” said Pedro Mane. “I would like to thank everyone at the Club for showing me kindness and letting me be a part of this project. As I move back to Portugal to be closer to my family, I will always be appreciative of my time in Charlotte and cherish the memories we have made together. I hope that the Club will continue to build on what we collectively built and see great success in its future.”

Crown Legacy FC currently sits 10th in the Eastern Conference as they prepare to face Philadelphia Union II tomorrow at 7:30 p.m ET.